Arsenal & Liverpool line up bids for Southampton star

Championship leaders Burnley could be set for a cash injection if Arsenal or Liverpool move to sign Southampton ace Jay Rodriguez.

The England new boy has been in great form for the Saints helping the club achieve their best start to a top flight season since 1983-84, when they finished second.Arsenal and Liverpool have been keeping a close eye on Rodriguez, who has scored three goals so far, and could be tempted to make an official bid if he continues his good form into January.

Scouts of both clubs have been tracking the player’s progress since the closing stages of last season where he helped the Saints remain among the elite with a 14th place finish.

The 24-year-old joined the Saints for £7m from Burnley in the summer of 2012, following the club’s promotion back to the Premier League.

According to the Lancashire Telegraph, the Clarets hold a 15 per cent sell on clause which was inserted into the deal that took Rodriguez to St Marys’.

Southampton’s executive chairman Nicola Cortese is keen to fend off interest in his rising star by offering a new long-term deal to remain at the club.

Rodriguez, who was called up along with team-mates Adam Lallana and Rickie Lambert, is set to feature for England in the friendlies against Chile and Germany.

Three Lions boss Roy Hodgson revealed last week that he was hugely impressed with the form of Rodriguez and saw him as the man to replace Manchester United’s Danny Welbeck, who is currently struggling with a knee injury.